Chinese weapons fueling both sides of neighboring border war

Thailand is looking into guided anti-tank missiles the army captured along the border amid the fighting with Cambodia that has renewed. The GAM‑102LR is a fifth‑generation precision‑guided anti‑tank missile (ATGM) developed in China.

The Royal Thai Army said the captured missiles are in its custody and will not be handed over to anyone, according to Thai Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Newsweek has reached out to the Foreign Ministries of Cambodia and China for comment.

Why It Matters

Beijing’s defense exports are increasingly visible in regional conflicts, illustrating how Chinese military technology is shaping security dynamics in Southeast Asia. China has supplied VT‑4 tanks to the Royal Thai Army, based on a 2017 agreement.

Thailand has taken action aimed at disrupting supply routes and logistical support for Cambodian forces. The border conflict has entered its second week despite President Donald Trump announcing that the two countries had agreed to a new ceasefire this week.

What To Know

Security sources told The Nation Thailand that questions had emerged over how such costly advanced hardware appeared in Cambodian border operations. But PBS reported Tuesday that the Thai Army saying there is no evidence at this stage to prove that China has been secretly resupplying Cambodian forces with weaponry.

If it is confirmed that Cambodia is operating the GAM‑102, it would mark the first known deployment of the system by any military, according to defense site Janes. The GAM‑102, unveiled by Poly Technologies in 2018, can be tripod‑ or vehicle‑mounted, resembling the U.S. FGM‑148 Javelin.

Seized weapons included Chinese-made 82 mm Type 65 grenade rounds and Norinco PF‑89 anti-tank unguided rockets along with associated warheads. Thailand’s military strikes destroyed large quantities of munitions and disrupted Cambodia’s ability to resupply front‑line forces, according to state media. Bangkok has also decided Monday to stop fuel shipments through a Laos border checkpoint over fears the supplies were being diverted to Cambodia, according to Reuters.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand cannot legally restrict exports that are properly documented and destined for its neighboring nation.

Thailand and Cambodia have been at odds for decades over a roughly 500-mile stretch of border originally drawn by the French when Cambodia was a colony. A ceasefire signed on October 26 in Malaysia, backed by the U.S., quickly collapsed. Both Thailand and Cambodia have rejected Trump’s recent claims that they had agreed to a new ceasefire.

What People Are Saying

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul wrote on Facebook Sunday: “There was no plan nor agreement by [the] Thai government to a ceasefire with our enemy as of 10 p.m. last night. Thailand stands firm with our determination to preserve, protect and defend [the] integrity of our land and our people at all costs.”

Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense posted on Facebook Sunday: “Cambodia reaffirms its firm commitment to comply with and adhere to the ceasefire conditions, the joint statement on the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, with utmost zeal and responsibility.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in press briefing on Monday: “As neighbors and friends of both countries, China follows closely the current developments along the border of Cambodia and Thailand…The top priority now is to stop the fighting and protect civilians.”

What Happens Next

Thailand is demanding that Cambodia ceases fire first, Bangkok’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, according to state media. Casualties are rising, and civilians continue to flee the conflict zone.